Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV should ideally be started within how many hours of exposure?

Post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV should ideally be started within how many hours of exposure?

• A. Within 7 days
• B. Within 2 weeks
• C. Within 72 hours
• D. Within 1 month

Answer: (C)

Timing after exposure is crucial for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. The goal is to prevent the virus from establishing infection, and starting antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible after exposure is how that prevention is best achieved. The effective window for initiating PEP is within 72 hours of exposure; starting within this period maximizes the chance of preventing seroconversion. After 72 hours, the benefit diminishes and initiating PEP is generally not recommended because the likelihood of preventing infection drops. Therefore, starting within 72 hours is the best answer.

Timing after exposure is crucial for HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. The goal is to prevent the virus from establishing infection, and starting antiretroviral therapy as soon as possible after exposure is how that prevention is best achieved. The effective window for initiating PEP is within 72 hours of exposure; starting within this period maximizes the chance of preventing seroconversion. After 72 hours, the benefit diminishes and initiating PEP is generally not recommended because the likelihood of preventing infection drops. Therefore, starting within 72 hours is the best answer.